($451+) Newark, NJ to Columbus, OH Movers
Moving from Newark, NJ, to Columbus, OH, runs anywhere from $416 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,075 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 523 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 6 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,137, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,075 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,003 - $3,130, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $416 - $1,162.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Newark, NJ, to Columbus, OH. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,897 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Newark, NJ to Columbus, OH
Moving options from Newark to Columbus fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $1,897 - $5,051 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 523-mile route typically takes 1 to 6 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 523-mile route from Newark to Columbus, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $1,137 - $3,898, container $1,003 - $1,692, rental truck $416 - $773, freight trailer $876 - $1,522.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $1,897 - $5,051, container $1,324 - $2,337, rental truck $467 - $1,003, freight trailer $1,049 - $1,869.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $3,633 - $8,075, container $1,643 - $3,130, rental truck $583 - $1,162, freight trailer $1,397 - $2,504.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Newark, NJ to Columbus, OH
For the 523-mile move from Newark, New Jersey, to Columbus, Ohio, full-service movers cost between $1,137 and $8,075. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $352 - $2,348 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Newark generally start around $260 plus $120 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Newark to Columbus:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,137 - $3,898
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,897 - $5,051
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,633 - $8,075
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Newark to Columbus.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from New Jersey to Ohio. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Newark, NJ to Columbus, OH
Specialty needs vary by market — 94% of Newark movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Columbus, 87% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing98% of local movers | $587 - $5,870 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready94% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Roadway Moving | $235 - $1,409/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $352 - $2,818 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage53% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs38% of local movers | $1,174 - $3,522 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,935 - $11,740 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $879 - $1,671 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items70% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Oz Moving & Storage, Inc. | $1,174 - $2,935 |
| Piano | Any piano type87% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Roadway Moving | $939 - $4,109 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling42% of local movers | $352 - $1,761 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect31% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Oz Moving & Storage, Inc. | $763 - $2,348 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $352 - $17,610+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $352 - $4,109+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Newark to Columbus?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Ohio Association of Movers is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Newark, NJ, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Newark, NJ to Columbus, OH
Moving containers from Newark, New Jersey, to Columbus, Ohio, cost between $1,003 and $3,130. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Newark typically costs about $130/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Newark to Columbus:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,003 - $1,692
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,324 - $2,337
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,643 - $3,130
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $822 in Newark, NJ. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $88 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $176 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Columbus, OH, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a New Jersey to Ohio move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,003. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,324 - $2,337, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Newark to Columbus?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Newark to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Newark:
- Roadway Moving (4.9/5), 18 years in business
- Oz Moving & Storage, Inc. (4.8/5), 33 years in business
- Ample Moving (4.8/5), 8 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Newark, NJ to Columbus, OH
Plan on $416 - $1,162 for a rental moving truck on the 523-mile route from Newark, New Jersey, to Columbus, Ohio. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $195 - $223
- Daily insurance: $35/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $23
- Newark daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.99 - $0.99
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Newark to Columbus based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $416 - $773
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $467 - $1,003
- 4+ bedrooms: $583 - $1,162
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $416 - $1,162 when pricing out a rental truck from Newark to Columbus. Fuel alone runs ($195 - $223) , and overnight lodging ($176/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $176 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Newark, New Jersey, usually costs about $822 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 523-mile drive falls between $195 and $223, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $59 and $352 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Newark to Columbus?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Newark, NJ to Columbus, OH
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Newark, New Jersey, to Columbus, Ohio, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $1,049 and $1,869.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Newark to Columbus:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $876 - $1,522
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,049 - $1,869
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,397 - $2,504
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Newark, New Jersey, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $822.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $88 - $176 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Newark to Columbus?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
- Freehold Cartage, Inc. (4.84/5 stars): Freehold Cartage, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Newark, NJ vs Columbus, OH
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Columbus, side by side with Newark on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Newark, NJ | Columbus, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 135 | 91 |
| Average rent | $2,300/mo | $1,441/mo |
| Median home value | $335,418 | $233,368 |
| Average income | $48,416/yr | $65,327/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 13.0% | 5.7% |
| State income tax | Up to 10.7% | Up to 3.5% |
| Walkability score | 76/100 | 41/100 |
| Safety index | 24.76/100 | 50.35/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Columbus, OH to Newark, NJ guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from New Jersey to Ohio, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. New Jersey alone has 89 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 523-mile move like this one.
Our take
For a move from Newark, NJ, to Columbus, OH, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,137 for a studio to $8,075 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 523-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,003 - $3,130. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $416 - $1,162, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $1,897 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Columbus tend to point to low cost of living and delicious food, though bad drivers and terrible traffic come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include Ohio State University and The State of Ohio.
FAQs: Moving from Newark, NJ, to Columbus, OH
How do I know a mover is licensed in Ohio?
Although a local license is not required in Ohio, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number.
What are the best neighborhoods in Columbus?
For families, Bexley, Clintonville, and Gahanna are worth a look in Columbus. If you're moving solo or without kids, Downtown, Short North, and Victorian Village tend to be popular picks instead.
How walkable is Columbus?
Columbus has a walkability score of 41 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 48, compared to 76 and 51 in Newark. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
Is Columbus a safe place to live?
Columbus has a safety index of 50.35 out of 100 and a crime index of 49.65, compared to 24.76 and 75.24 in Newark. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Newark, NJ to Columbus, OH?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What percentage of Newark movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 87% of movers in Newark handle piano moves, and 70% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
